Primary biliary cholangitis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic but progressive disease that, over many years, causes damage to bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and, in some patients, cirrhosis. The rate at which PBC progresses varies from person to person, but significant damage takes decades to occur. It predominately affects women aged 40–60 years with a female to male ratio of 9:1, but can affect anyone from the age of 20. There is no cure for PBC other than liver transplant, but medications can be given to slow down disease progression and for the treatment of symptoms. Health professionals should monitor for complications, including the development of osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies and liver cirrhosis, which caries the associated complications of portal hypertension, varices and ascites.

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